
MASSDEVICE ON CALL — Rising-out-pocket expenses and an inability to take time away from work have more people opting against elective surgeries that may help with hip or knee pain.
Some patients who are put off by the high deductibles are pushing hip and knee pain further, with some waiting until they qualify for Medicare at 65.
As the economy remains sluggish and more people are either without insurance or unable to handle the out-of-pocket costs, sales of devices such as artificial hips and knees are expected to underperform, Reuters reported.
"People are putting off any sort of non-acute, nonsymptomatic care. Even if it is symptomatic, until it becomes acute they are not taking the time to come in," Morningstar analyst Debbie Wang told wire service. "Especially if unemployment stays at 9 percent, a lot of folks are going to clench their teeth and ignore the pain."
Device maker fined for hazardous waste mismanagement
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fined MRI Manufacturing & Research $30,000 for mishandling industrial solvents at its Tucson facility, Fierce Medical Devices reported.
South Korean device company may bring 200 jobs to Vermont
South Korean AnC BIO, a portable dialysis maker, plans to set up shop in Newport, Vt., on the heels of the U.S-.Korea Free Trade Agreement passing, MassHighTech reported.
Pediatric knee injuries on the rise
Sports-related knee injuries in patients under 18 have increased "dramatically" over the last 12 years, according to researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Medtronic lands new surgical clearances
Medtronic Inc. (NYSE:MDT) got the FDA green light for a new surgical system, according to a press release: The Aquamantys 3 and the 8.2L bipolar sealer with cutting and 6.0 bipolar sealer hand pieces.